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Curatorial Professional Services

Duet: Compositions of Rhythm, Harmony, and Form

Duet: Compositions of Rhythm, Harmony, and Form

โ€œDuet,โ€ a twoโ€person exhibition featuring Los Angelesโ€“based artists Skira Martinez and Sam Pace, draws on the rich textures and histories of musical instruments and electronic detritus. โ€œDuetโ€ invites visitors to explore how sound and materiality intertwine to shape contemporary culture.

Dates
September 20-27th, 2025

Location
Cielo Galleries, L.A.

The Exhibition:

The exhibition takes its title from the collaborative spirit of music-making: two distinct voices in dialogue, resonance and counterpoint. Through sculptural assemblages, painted surfaces and foundโ€object reliefs, Martinez and Pace repurpose brass and string components from radios, pianos and other instrumentsโ€”alongside plastics, wood and e-wasteโ€”to compose visual symphonies that riff on memory, improvisation and cultural legacy. Visitors will encounter works that both reference the physicality of jazz, blues and Black American music, and reimagine the afterlives of discarded, โ€œsilentโ€ objects.

Skira Martinez draws on a lifetime of hands-on making, from her childhood on an off-grid farm in Ontario to her current studio practice in Historical South Central Los Angeles. Inspired by trips to the country dump and raised in a household where โ€œsomething out of nothingโ€ was the daily ethos, Martinez transforms salvaged electronics, thrifted treasures and yard-sale finds into jewelโ€like assemblages. In โ€œDuet,โ€ she unveils new mixed-media sculptures that echo the improvisational spirit of brass and string ensembles, while commenting on consumption, waste and the regenerative power of art.

Sam Paceโ€™s practice began in the late 1980s in Europe, where he first translated the moods of jazz and blues into painterly narratives. From acrylic and collage on wood panels to reliefs built from discarded recyclables, Paceโ€™s works channel the syncopated rhythms and emotional cadences of his sonic inspirations. In this exhibition, he presents a series of collaged reliefs incorporating piano hammers, radio dials and bent sheet-metal formsโ€”each piece a visual โ€œnoteโ€ in his ongoing composition celebrating African American musical heritage.

Together, Martinez and Pace perform a creative โ€œduetโ€ that spans material histories, cultural memory and the improvisatory core of contemporary art. Visitors to DUET: Composition of Rhythm, Harmony, and Form at Cielo Galleries and Studios, can expect an immersive environment where sculptures gleam like brass instruments, painted surfaces pulse with rhythmic energy, and discarded fragments find new voiceโ€”turning waste into witness, silence into song. The exhibit will be on view to the public from September 20th through 27th. Visits after Opening Night are by APPOINTMENT ONLY. Press release and show imagery available upon request. Please contact Spaceart44@hotmail.com for more information. โ€œDUET: Composition of Rhythm, Harmony, and Formโ€ is located at Cielo Galleries and Studios, 3201 Maple Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90011.

Duet: Compositions of Rhythm, Harmony, and Form Installation Shot

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Creative Work and Portfolio Insights and Education

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces: Episode Two

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces: Episode Two w/ Reggie Perry Jr.

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces: Episode One w/ Reggie Perry Jr.

In Episode Two, we chat with Reggie Perry Jr., a multifaceted creator excelling in design, audio, and video production, motion graphics, and 3D animation. His expertise in typography, illustrations, and various media forms in the Home Depot learning department and as a freelance designer for clients like Greenwood Bank and Caregility, further demonstrates his skills in web content creation through e-commerce and lifestyle imagery. In Episode Two, we chat with Reggie Perry Jr., a multifaceted creator excelling in design, audio, and video production, motion graphics, and 3D animation. His expertise in typography, illustrations, and various media forms in the Home Depot learning department and as a freelance designer for clients like Greenwood Bank and Caregility, further demonstrates his skills in web content creation through e-commerce and lifestyle imagery.

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces presented by ArtAboveReality โ€” the podcast that dives deep into the vibrant world of contemporary art, design, and digital creativity through the lenses of Black male professionals. Join me, Badir McCleary, your host, and curator, as we venture on a journey through the fascinating narratives and insightful perspectives of these groundbreaking artists and visionaries. In each episode, we’ll unravel the threads of their unique journeys, exploring the challenges they’ve overcome, the triumphs that define their artistic narratives, and the goals that keep them putting in overtime in their studios and boardrooms.

From gallery walls to global stages, we’ll celebrate these diverse talents that are redefining the face of creativity. But that’s not all. “Cultural Canvases” goes beyond the canvas, delving into the broader ecosystem. Tune in for engaging discussions on current events impacting the creative space, market trends, and the rich historical context that shapes contemporary expression. Get ready for thought-provoking dialogues, candid revelations, and a front-row seat to the dynamic intersection of culture, ideation, and the ever-evolving canvas of innovation on Cultural Canvases.

Join the ArtAboveReality channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9S0S2OYmTsmQf5nqMQZhUw/join

Categories
Creative Work and Portfolio Insights and Education

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces: Episode One

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces: Episode One w/ B. Robert Moore

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces: Episode One w/ B. Robert Moore

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces presented by ArtAboveReality โ€” the podcast that dives deep into the vibrant world of contemporary art, design, and digital creativity through the lenses of Black male professionals. Join me, Badir McCleary, your host, and curator, as we venture on a journey through the fascinating narratives and insightful perspectives of these groundbreaking artists and visionaries. In each episode, we’ll unravel the threads of their unique journeys, exploring the challenges they’ve overcome, the triumphs that define their artistic narratives, and the goals that keep them putting in overtime in their studios and boardrooms.

From gallery walls to global stages, we’ll celebrate these diverse talents that are redefining the face of creativity. But that’s not all. “Cultural Canvases” goes beyond the canvas, delving into the broader ecosystem. Tune in for engaging discussions on current events impacting the creative space, market trends, and the rich historical context that shapes contemporary expression. Get ready for thought-provoking dialogues, candid revelations, and a front-row seat to the dynamic intersection of culture, ideation, and the ever-evolving canvas of innovation on Cultural Canvases.

In Episode One, I sit down with Des Moines, Iowa based artist B. Robert Moore. Multidisciplinary self-taught artist started painting in 2018-19 to counter drug addiction and alcoholism. As a tool to counter mental health issues and life trauma, Moore paints figurative works amongst other contemporary works that all are inner connected through Mooreโ€™s identity and experience as a Black man in America.

Growing up in Iowa, a predominantly White-conservative state has inspired Moore to uplift narratives and images of people from his community and abroad who identify through similar life identity and experiences. Storytelling is the backbone of Mooreโ€™s work, as the composition of the visual only aides the hours of research and layered symbolism throughout each individual work.

Join the ArtAboveReality channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9S0S2OYmTsmQf5nqMQZhUw/join

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Creative Work and Portfolio

OPEN: PhotoBook

Photo by Badir McCleary

OPEN: A Collection of Photographs on Openness (PhotoBook)

OPEN: A Collection of Photographs on Openness
OPEN: A Collection of Photographs on Openness

Embark on a visual odyssey that transcends boundaries and embraces the ethos of โ€˜OPENโ€™ in Badir McClearyโ€™s latest photographic collection. This book is more than a series of images; it is an exploration of openness in its myriad forms, from the embrace of new cultures to the intimacy of personal spaces. McClearyโ€™s lens captures the ephemeral yet profound moments of life, each frame a testament to the beauty and complexity of human experience. Through streets bustling with stories and landscapes whispering of freedom, this collection invites you to witness the world in its raw, unfiltered magnificence.

In these pages, you will journey through a tapestry of narratives that speak to the heart of what it means to be truly open. From the candid emotions etched on the faces in crowded urban settings to the serene expanses that beckon the soul to wander, each photograph is an invitation to engage, feel, and connect. As you delve into this collection, be prepared to embark on a journey that challenges your perceptions and enriches your understanding of openness. 

Whether it is through the dignified portrayal of lifeโ€™s hardships or the intimate glimpses into the sanctuaries of creation, these images are a celebration of the human spiritโ€™s boundless capacity for growth, connection, and change. โ€˜OPENโ€™ is more than a photographic project; it is a philosophy, a way of life that the author eloquently captures and shares with the world. Let this book be your guide to embracing the unknown, discovering the beauty in openness, and seeing the world through a lens of wonder and boundless possibility.

Available for Pre-Order December 4th!

Mark Savage, 2015, Alim Morris, 2023, Los Angeles, 2022. Photo by Badir McCleary.
Wall St. Apt, DTLA, 2022. Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, 2018. Photo by Badir McCleary.
Categories
Fallen Through The Cracks

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Willie Middlebrook

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Willie Middlebrook

Fallen Through The Cracks – Cliff Joseph

Willie Middlebrook

#FallenThroughTheCracks –ย  Willie Robert Middlebrook, Jr. was born on August 11, 1957, in Detroit, MI. He was a photographer and artist, and an ardent advocate for the African-American community in Los Angeles. Throughout his illustrious career, this remarkable artist garnered numerous accolades and left an indelible mark on the world of photography in Los Angeles and beyond.

Educationally endowed, he possessed an Associate of Arts degree in Art/Photography from Compton Community College and a Certificate in Design from the Communicative Arts Academy. His legacy extended beyond his artistry as he became an influential figure in the classroom, teaching at renowned institutions like the Watts Towers Arts Center and California State University, Los Angeles. Additionally, he served on the advisory committee for the Photography Department at his alma mater, Compton Community College.

Willie Middlebrook, n His “Own” Image From the series Portraits of My People, 1992. ยฉ Willie Middlebrook Estate.
Willie Middlebrook, n His "Own" Image From the series Portraits of My People, 1992. ยฉ Willie Middlebrook Estate.
Willie Middlebrook, n His “Own” Image From the series Portraits of My People, 1992. ยฉ Willie Middlebrook Estate.

As a fine artist, he is celebrated for his portraits of African-American individuals and communities in the greater Los Angeles area, always depicted with dignity and respect. His innovative photographic printing techniques, marked by thickly applied photographic emulsion in a dripping fashion, layered upon surfaces and meticulously exposed to create unique prints, became a hallmark of his work. His journey was punctuated by more than two decades of awards and recognition, including the City of Los Angeles Individual Artist Fellowship grant from the Department of Cultural Affairs in 2009, commendations from the Los Angeles City Council, and the distinguished title of “Hometown Hero” bestowed upon him by the City of Compton.

His journey was paved with recognition and honors, including two prestigious Visual Artist Fellowships in photography from the National Endowment for the Arts. His artistic prowess extended to public commissions, with notable contributions to iconic structures like the Los Angeles Metro Expo/Crenshaw Station. His lens also captured history as a photographer for Time Magazine, with his poignant images of the African-American struggle in Los Angeles finding a global audience, primarily in European editions. Major museums such as the Art Institute of Chicago, the Studio Museum in Harlem, and LACMA quickly recognized the profound significance of his work, eagerly adding his creations to their collections. Willie Robert Middlebrook, Jr. died on May 5, 2012, in Los Angeles, CA.

(Text paraphrased from Wikipedia and other sources. All Images are the property of the copyright owners. This clip is for educational purposes.)

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Creative Work and Portfolio

“Remote”, a new Web Series presented in partnership with Not Real Art World

Remote: Exploring Public Art with Badir McCleary

We have been holding this secret for way too long and now we are excited to announce that we are releasing “Remote”, a 6-part web series focused on exploring Public Art! I had the pleasure of partnering with my good friend Scott “Sourdough” Power on this amazing project and can’t wait for you all to enjoy, critique, and repeat! It will be released in the social media and YouTube realms this weekend and also on ArtAboveReality.com! I’m so thrilled about this and looking forward to your comments and more! Check out the trailer and read the show details below!

In a world adorned with vibrant creativity and captivating stories, lies a secret waiting to be uncovered. Welcome to ‘Remote,’ the art series that takes you on a mesmerizing journey to the hidden corners of the globe, where art installations breathe life into cities, communities, and souls.

Join us as we embark on an extraordinary exploration, peeling back the layers of public art’s profound impact. From towering sculptures to interactive murals, each stroke and structure holds a tale, a testament to the boundless imagination of artists who dared to dream big. Our mission is simple: to unveil the enigmatic stories woven into these artistic marvels. We’ll delve deep into the heart of each artwork, unraveling its message, dissecting its symbolism, and celebrating the incredible minds behind its creation.

‘Remote’ is a journey that transcends the canvas and embraces the profound connections between art, communities, and the human experience. Together, we’ll uncover how public art breathes life into forgotten neighborhoods, ignites conversations, and transforms entire cities into living galleries of inspiration. Get ready to embark on a global quest, where artistry knows no boundaries and every brushstroke, every sculpture, tells a tale waiting to be heard. Welcome to ‘Remote,’ where art’s untold stories come to life. Watch the series exclusively on Not Real Art!

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Fallen Through The Cracks

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Geoffrey Holder

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Geoffrey Holder

Fallen Through The Cracks – Geoffrey Holder

Geoffrey Holder

#FallenThroughTheCracksGeoffrey Lamont Holder was born on August 1, 1930, in Port of Spain, Trinidad. He was an actor, dancer, musician, and artist. He was educated at Tranquility School and Queenโ€™s Royal College in Port of Spain but made his performance debut at seven years old in his brother Boscoe Holderโ€™s dance company.

Seeing him perform in The Virgin Islands, choreographer Agnes de Mille invited Holder to work with her in New York where he joined Katherine Dunhamโ€™s dance school and taught folkloric forms. From 1955 to 1956, he performed with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet as a principal dancer but left the ballet to make his Broadway debut in the musical House of Flowers.

Geoffrey Holder. ยฉ Estate of Geoffrey Holder.
Geoffrey Holder, Woman With Flower, 1955. ยฉ Estate of Geoffrey Holder.

In 1973, he played a henchman in the James Bond movie Live and Let Die and also contributed to the filmโ€™s choreography. In 1975, Holder won two Tony Awards for direction and costume design of The Wiz, the all-black musical version of The Wizard of Oz. He was the first black man to be nominated in either category. He also won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Costume Design.ย 

Holder was a prolific painter, ardent art collector, author, and music composer. As a painter, he won a Guggenheim Fellowship in fine arts in 1956. In popular culture, Holder is known for portraying Nelson in the 1992 film Boomerang with Eddie Murphy. Geoffrey Holder died in New York City on October 5, 2014, at the age of 84.

(Text paraphrased from Wikipedia and other sources. All Images are the property of the copyright owners. This clip is for educational purposes.)

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Creative Work and Portfolio Fallen Through The Cracks

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Don Hogan Charles

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Don Hogan Charles

Fallen Through The Cracks – Don Hogan Charles

Don Hogan Charles

#FallenThroughTheCracks – Don Hogan Charles was born โ€œDaniel James Charlesโ€ on September 9, 1938, in New York City. He studied engineering at City College of New York before dropping out to pursue photography. He was the first African-American staff photographer hired by The New York Times. He remained on staff for 43 years until his retirement in 2007.

Charles started as a freelance photographer and appeared in major international publications with commercial clients including Oscar de la Renta, and Pan American World Airways. During his tenure at the New York Times, he photographed notable subjects including Coretta Scott King, John Lennon, Malcolm X, and Muhammad Ali.

Photography by Don Hogan Charles, ยฉ Estate of Don Hogan Charles
Photography by Don Hogan Charles, ยฉ Estate of Don Hogan Charles

His work focused on local hangouts and everyday people but he is most known for his extensive coverage of figures of the civil rights era. One of his most iconic photos is the photo of Malcolm X holding an M1 carbine while peeking out a window. The photo was commissioned by Ebony Magazine and became a symbol of the lengths the civil rights leader would go to, to protect his family. โ€œBy Any Means Necessaryโ€.ย 

In 1967, Charles captured a photo of a young boy with his hands up walking in front of soldiers during the Newark riots, one of more than 150 racial riots in the country that summer. Charlesโ€™ work is in the collections of the Museum Of Modern Art and the National Museum of African-American History and Culture. Don Hogan Charles passed away on December 15, 2017, in Harlem, NY.ย 

(Text paraphrased from Wikipedia and other sources. All Images are the property of the copyright owners. This clip is for educational purposes.)

Categories
Fallen Through The Cracks

Fallen Through The Cracks – A Look at History’s Underrated Black Art Pioneers

Fallen Through The Cracks

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Cliff Joseph
#FallenThroughTheCracks – Clifford Ricardo Joseph was born on June 23, 1922, in …
Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Ulysses Davis
Ulysses Davis was born on January 13, 1913, in the railroad town …
Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Beauford Delaney
#FallenThroughTheCracks – Clifford Ricardo Joseph was born on June 23, 1922, in …
Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Willie Middlebrook
#FallenThroughTheCracks –ย  Willie Robert Middlebrook, Jr. was born on August 11, 1957, …
Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Annie Pettway Lewis Bendolph
#FallenThroughTheCracks – Annie Pettway Lewis Bendolph was born between 1892 and 1900 …
Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Robert Hamilton Blackburn
#FallenThroughTheCracks – Robert Hamilton Blackburn was born on December 12, 1920, in …
Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Ruth Gilliam Waddy
#FallenThroughTheCracks – Ruth Gilliam Waddy was born Willanna Ruth Gilliam on January …
Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: William Henry Johnson
#FallenThroughTheCracks – William Henry Johnson was born on March 18, 1901, in …
Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Nancy Elizabeth Prophet
#FallenThroughTheCracks – Nancy Elizabeth Prophet was born on March 19, 1890, in …
Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Merton Simpson
#FallenThroughTheCracks – Merton Simpson was born on September 20, 1928, in Charleston, …
Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Valerie Maynard
#FallenThroughTheCracks – Valerie Jean Maynard was born on August 22, 1937, in …
Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Geoffrey Holder
#FallenThroughTheCracks – Geoffrey Lamont Holder was born on August 1, 1930, in …
Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Tina Allen
Tina Allen was born Tina Powell on December 9, 1949, in Hempstead, …
Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Don Hogan Charles
Don Hogan Charles was born โ€œDaniel James Charlesโ€ on September 9, 1938, …
Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Varnette Patricia Honeywood
Varnette Patricia Honeywood was born on December 27, 1950, in Los Angeles, …
Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Frederick James Brown
Frederick James Brown was born on February 6, 1945, in Greensboro, Georgia. …
Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Selma Burke
Selma Hortense Burke was born on December 31, 1900, in Mooresville, North …
Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Beverly Buchanan
Beverly Buchanan was born on October 8, 1940, in Fuquay, North Carolina. …
Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Hughie Lee-Smith
Hughie Lee-Smith was born on September 20, 1915, in Eustis, Florida. He …
Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Lois Mailou Jones
Lois Mailou Jones was born on November 3, 1905, in Boston, Massachusetts. …
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Creative Work and Portfolio

The Drawing Board: Artists Working in Los Angeles

The Drawing Board: Artists Working in Los Angeles

Amidst the sprawling urban expanse of Los Angeles, where dreams collide and cultures converge, a tribe of impassioned artists thrive, etching their stories on “The Drawing Board.” This captivating documentary ventures deep into the lives of working artists, unearthing the trials and tribulations they face while pursuing their creative visions in the City of Angels.

As the sun rises over the iconic skyline, we embark on an immersive journey, unveiling the raw essence of artistry that colors every corner of Los Angeles. Through candid interviews and artistic expressions that leave us spellbound, “The Drawing Board” exposes the heart and soul of these remarkable individuals who dare to walk the path less traveled.

Delving beyond the romanticized notions of an artist’s life, this documentary unflinchingly reveals the multifaceted challenges and advantages of working in a city renowned for its vibrant cultural tapestry. Within the sprawling canvas of Los Angeles, artists find both a boundless wellspring of inspiration and a crucible of unyielding scrutiny.

“The Drawing Board” examines the intricate dance between artistic passion and the pragmatic understanding of art as a business. We peer into the sketchbooks of these creators, where dreams take shape, and ideas are meticulously crafted into reality. Their unwavering dedication to their craft is a testament to the unyielding pursuit of artistic excellence, often navigating the fine line between artistic integrity and financial sustenance.

In the heart of this compelling narrative lies an urgent exploration of gallery and museum treatment towards underrepresented artists. “The Drawing Board” lends its voice to those artists whose stories have too often been confined to the margins, offering an unfiltered glimpse into the struggles they endure and the tenacity that fuels their creative fire.

Through an evocative tapestry of images and sounds, this documentary captures the heartbeat of a city that serves as both muse and adversary. Witness the visceral emotions, the moments of self-doubt, and the elation of artistic breakthroughs as we stand witness to the profound transformation that emerges from embracing vulnerability. “The Drawing Board: Working Artists in Los Angeles” is an ode to resilience, collaboration, and the power of creative expression. As the paintbrush strokes and melodies meld into a symphony of artistic brilliance, we invite you to join us on this mesmerizing expedition, revealing the incredible stories etched on “The Drawing Board” of Los Angeles.

Discover the pulsating art world of Los Angeles through The Drawing Board: Artists Working in Los Angeles. This compelling film project delves deep into the lives, careers, and creative struggles of diverse artists navigating the vibrant yet challenging LA art market.

The Interviews: Volumes 1 and 2: As a precursor to the film, we present Volumes 1 and 2, a curated collection of intimate interviews, stunning photographs, and captivating artworks from the featured artists. These volumes serve as a tangible exploration of the themes, stories, and artistic expressions that the film will vividly bring to life.

A Sneak Peek into the Artists’ World:

  • In-depth interviews revealing the artists’ perspectives on their craft, the LA art scene, and the unique challenges they face.
  • A visual feast of artworks that capture the essence and diversity of LA’s artistic talent.
  • Candid photographs that offer a window into the artists’ studios, processes, and daily lives.

The Drawing Board: Artists Working in Los Angeles is not just a film; it’s a journey in progress, capturing the evolution of artists and their work over time. Stay tuned for the film’s release, where the pages of Volumes 1 and 2 come alive, offering an immersive experience into the heart and soul of Los Angeles’ art community.

Join us in celebrating the spirit, resilience, and creativity of LA’s artists. The Drawing Board: Artists Working in Los Angeles film and textual interviews are an ode to those who dare to dream and create amidst the bustling backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic cities.

Embark on this artistic voyage with usโ€”The story of LA’s art scene is just beginning to unfold.